FACTORS INFLUENCING INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS IN 
        CHOOSING A TRAVEL DESTINATION: 
        CASE STUDY OF PENANG, MALAYSIA 
                  by 
              ANG LAY POOl 
      Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements 
              For the degree of 
           Master of Science (Planning) 
                May 2006 
            Universiti Sains Malaysia 
         School of Housing, Building & Planning 
            847'713 
                   Acknowledgements 
     Express  my  deepest  gratitude  to  my  dedicated  supervisor,  P.M.  Dr  Badaruddin 
     Mohamed for his advices and guides in this thesis. Thank you to Dr. Ahmad Puad B. Mat 
     Som for becoming my second reader.  Finally,  by the advice from  my supervisor,  I had 
     successful completed my thesis. 
     Thank you  for Tourism  Penang  Department for giving  information  and  providing  help 
     during collecting  data.  To  lecturers in  School of Housing,  Building and  Planning which 
     have provided their help, your contribution is highly appreciated. Thank you to Yayasan 
     Pahang's for loan support during study in Universiti Sains Malaysia. 
     This acknowledgement also to my family, my father and mother who had supported me 
     doing this  research,  follow by my brothers who read  my manuscripts.  My friends,  Bee 
     Chuan,  Chai  Kgim  and  Shui  Man  who  helping  me  to  collect  data  and  checking  my 
     manuscripts,  to  all  my  studio  members,  especially  Ling  Eng,  Yoong  Chia,  Ester and 
     Fang,  thank you very much for you  all.  Thank you  also for my housemates who take 
     care of me during writing period. 
     Last but not least, once again, I would like to thanks my family who had fully supported 
     me in this research and be patient and tolerant when I need help. 
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                                              Table of Contents 
                                                                                                                        ii 
        Acknowledgements 
        Table of Contents                                                                                              iii 
        List of Tables                                                                                                 vi 
        List of Figures                                                                                               vii 
        ABSTRAK                                                                                                      viii 
        ABSTRACT                                                                                                       ix 
        CHAPTER 1  INTRODUCTION                                                                                        1 
        1.1      Factors That Influence Tourists Behaviour                                                              2 
        1.2      Image of destination                                                                                   3 
         1.3     Factors which influence decision making in choosing destination                                        5 
        1.4      Purpose & objective of study                                                                           8 
        1.5      Definition of terms                                                                                    9 
         1.6     Limitations                                                                                          11 
        CHAPTER 2  TOURISM INDUSTRY  ,                                                                                12 
        2.1      Tourism Malaysia                                                                                     12 
        2.2      History and background of Tourism Penang                                                             19 
        2.3      Tourism product in Penang                                                                            23 
           2.3.1       Attractions                                                                                     23 
           2.3.2       Events                                                                                          24 
           2.3.3       Facilities and Services                                                                         26 
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